If you’ve ever craved the cozy flavors of cabbage rolls but found yourself dreading the rolling and fuss, you’re in for a treat! This Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole Recipe is my absolute go-to when I want all the comfort of classic stuffed cabbage with a fraction of the effort and carbs. It’s a hearty, family-friendly bake loaded with savory ground beef (or turkey for a lighter twist!), tender cabbage, aromatic spices, and a perfectly rich tomato base. Plus, the melted cheese on top brings it all together for that irresistible, bubbly finish. It’s the satisfying weeknight wonder I keep coming back to, and I can’t wait for you to try it!

Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about this Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole Recipe is how pantry-friendly and straightforward the ingredients are. Each component brings a little something special, making the final dish equal parts comforting and crave-worthy.

Ground Beef or Turkey: Pick your favorite protein for a juicy, flavorful base—beef offers richness, while turkey keeps things lean and light.
Olive Oil: A splash lets you sauté your veggies for maximum flavor and gives the casserole a silky touch.
Onion: Diced onion brings a gentle sweetness and depth to every bite.
Garlic: Don’t skip the minced garlic! It’s the aromatic powerhouse that ties everything together.
Green Cabbage: The star of the show—cabbage adds bulk, texture, and a touch of sweetness as it bakes.
Diced Tomatoes: That can of tomatoes brings acidity, juiciness, and a touch of warmth.
Tomato Sauce: This helps coat everything in that luscious, saucy goodness.
Smoked Paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness that makes the casserole taste simmered-all-day.
Dried Oregano: For earthiness and a nostalgic Italian comfort vibe.
Salt and Black Pepper: Basic necessities to make all those great flavors sing.
Mozzarella or Cheddar Cheese (Optional): The melty, golden finish that’s impossible to resist (feel free to pick your favorite, or use both!).

How to Make Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Sauté Your Aromatics

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium. Add your diced onion and sauté for three to four minutes, just until it turns beautifully translucent and begins to sweeten. Toss in the minced garlic for another half-minute, stirring until it’s fragrant but not browned. This step lays the groundwork for a deeply flavorful casserole!

Step 2: Brown the Ground Meat

Add your ground beef or turkey right into the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break it up as it cooks, letting it brown evenly and soak up all those delicious onion and garlic flavors. Once the meat is browned through, drain any excess fat to keep your casserole just the right amount of hearty without being greasy.

Step 3: Soften the Cabbage

Push all that meaty goodness to the side and pile in the chopped cabbage. Cook for five to seven minutes, allowing the cabbage to wilt and soften but still hold a little crunch. This is where the casserole takes on that satisfying, chunky texture we all love in cabbage rolls!

Step 4: Add Tomatoes, Sauce, and Spices

Pour in the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce, then sprinkle with smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir it all together so every piece gets coated in that zesty, savory sauce. Give it a good five-minute simmer—this helps the flavors meld and the sauce concentrate just a bit.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Transfer your mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish, making sure to spread it evenly. If you’re going for the melty topping (highly recommended!), sprinkle the mozzarella or cheddar cheese all over. Cover the dish snugly with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake another 10 minutes so the top turns golden and bubbly. Let it rest for five minutes before you dive in—this helps the casserole set and makes serving a breeze!

How to Serve Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

To really let the flavors shine, try a simple sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or dill right before serving. A little tangy dollop of sour cream never hurt, either! If you’re craving a bit of heat, crushed red pepper flakes add a gentle kick that pairs perfectly with the smokiness of the paprika.

Side Dishes

This casserole is a meal all on its own, but it also plays beautifully with others. I love serving it with roasted cauliflower or a crisp green salad to keep things light and low carb. For heartier appetites at the table, a side of garlic green beans or steamed broccoli rounds things out without overpowering those classic cabbage roll flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re looking to impress, portion the casserole into individual ramekins or oven-safe bowls for a dinner party-worthy presentation. Or, consider using bell pepper halves as edible bowls—just scoop the hot casserole into the peppers and broil briefly for a fun, colorful twist on the classic Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole Recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow any leftovers to cool to room temperature, then transfer them to an airtight container. The casserole keeps well in the fridge for up to four days—just reheat individual portions as needed for easy lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.

Freezing

This Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole Recipe is a freezer superstar. Simply let it cool completely, portion into tightly sealed containers or freezer bags, and freeze for up to three months. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, microwave individual portions in 1–2 minute bursts until piping hot, or rewarm in a covered oven-safe dish at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes. If you’re reheating from frozen, add a layer of foil on top to trap steam and prevent the casserole from drying out as it heats.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole dairy free?

Absolutely! The cheese topping is totally optional. Feel free to leave it off or swap in your favorite dairy-free cheese shreds to keep it creamy and melty without the dairy.

What can I use instead of ground beef?

Ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based “meat” all work well here. The seasoning is so flavorful that you can tailor the protein to match your cravings or dietary needs without sacrificing taste.

Will cauliflower rice work in this recipe?

Yes! Adding cauliflower rice is an easy way to bulk up the casserole, make it even more filling, and sneak in extra veggies. Just stir in a cup or two when you add the cabbage.

Is this Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole Recipe keto-friendly?

You bet—it’s low in carbs, high in protein, and packed with veggies. To keep carbs ultra low, skip the tomato sauce or use a sugar-free variety.

Can I prep this in advance?

Definitely! Assemble the casserole up to a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, just let it sit at room temperature while you preheat the oven, then bake as directed. It’s a stress-free option for busy weeks or meal prep routines.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a cozy, fuss-free dinner that the whole family will adore, this Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole Recipe will not disappoint. It’s nourishing, crazy easy, and packed with so much flavor that even the pickiest eaters are bound to ask for seconds. Give it a try and make it your new weeknight favorite—you’ll be so glad you did!

Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner. With savory ground beef or turkey, tender cabbage, and a flavorful tomato sauce, topped with melted cheese, this casserole is a satisfying meal that’s also low in carbs.

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef/Turkey Mixture:

1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced

Casserole:

1 small head green cabbage, chopped (about 6 cups)
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
1/2 cup tomato sauce
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Sauté onions and garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté diced onion until translucent, then add garlic.
Cook ground meat: Add ground beef or turkey to the skillet and brown, breaking it up. Drain excess grease.
Add cabbage and seasonings: Stir in chopped cabbage and cook until slightly softened. Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer.
Transfer to baking dish: Transfer mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with shredded cheese.
Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly.
Rest and serve: Let casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.